NTSA Issues Fresh Update on Mandatory Vehicle Inspection Rules for Private Motorists

NTSA officer insecting a vehicle. Photo/ NTSA

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has clarified that private motorists will not be required to comply with the mandatory vehicle inspection requirement during roadside checks until further notice.

In a statement dated June 28, the Authority said traffic officers conducting route checks will not enforce the mandatory inspection requirement on private motor vehicle owners.

“UPDATE: Further to the Notice issued by the Authority regarding inspection of various categories of motor vehicles, we assure the public as follows,” read part of the statement.

It added that further communication on the implementation and enforcement of the inspection rules will be issued in due course.

NTSA Issues Update on Mandatory Vehicle Inspection Requirements

NTSA also announced that school transport operators will not be penalised for failing to comply with Rule 13 on reflectorised red stop mechanical signal arms and Rule 14 on telematic systems under the Traffic (School Transport) Rules, 2026.

Also Read: NTSA Introduces Strict New Rules for School Buses and Drivers

Additionally, the authority stated that the commercial service vehicle operators will not face penalties for non-compliance with the telematic system requirement.

NTSA further highlighted that implementation and enforcement of the affected rules will be communicated to the public at a later date and warned the public against relying on unverified information regarding motor vehicle inspections.

“The Authority has noted the circulation of inaccurate and misleading information regarding motor vehicle inspection. We strongly urge the public to rely exclusively on official communication issued directly by the Authority through its official channels/platforms,” the statement read.

Motorists seeking clarification or support have been advised to visit NTSA offices, Huduma Centres, or access information through the Authority’s official website and social media platforms.

Strict New Rules for School Buses and Drivers

This development comes shortly after NTSA announced new requirements for school transport operators, drivers, and vehicles as part of efforts to improve the safety of learners on Kenyan roads ahead of the implementation of new regulations in July.

Also Read: NTSA Suspends Licensing of New Public Transport Operators Until 2028

Speaking during the 49th Kenya Secondary Schools Head Association annual conference in Mombasa, NTSA Road Safety Manager Eva Nyawira said the authority was finalising preparations for the rollout of the new school transport framework while addressing outstanding concerns raised by stakeholders.

Nyawira said the regulations will require school vehicles to meet strict safety standards, including regular inspections and routine maintenance to ensure they remain mechanically sound throughout their operation.

She also noted that vehicle owners should not rely solely on inspection certificates but should also continuously monitor the condition of their vehicles before and after every trip.

Under the new guidelines, all school transport vehicles will be required to be roadworthy and equipped with key safety features.

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